3 reasons to buy the Toyota Land Cruiser LC 300 HEV

For most fans of Toyota, they consider the Land Cruiser as the pinnacle of the brand’s sport utility vehicle offerings. It is the most pined-for adventure machine, cushy family car, and all-rounder big ladder-frame ride of the Japanese carmaker. 

The aforementioned is reinforced by the fact that it is the vehicle of choice by the International Red Cross and the United Nations for going deep into far-flung regions for their respective responsibilities. 

At the same time, however, the current iteration of the Toyota Land Cruiser, the 300 series, is also the most expensive sport utility vehicle (SUV) sold by the brand locally. For reference, its internal combustion engine (ICE) variant starts at P5.758 million, firmly placing it in dream-car territory. 

What’s more is that Toyota Motor Philippines recently rolled out its hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) version, which is even pricier at P6.93 million. 

So, considering its hefty price tag, what are the biggest reasons to get the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser LC 300 HEV? 

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Efficiency with no compromise on power

One big reason to buy the HEV version of the Land Cruiser LC 300 over the turbodiesel version is its engine. Specifically, its 3.5-liter twin-turbo gasoline engine that is paired with an electric motor. 

At maximum, this powertrain can produce up to 409 horsepower (hp) and 650 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. It has far more horsepower than the turbodiesel version, plus, it promises better efficiency due to its nature as a hybrid. 

But while its powertrain is a vast departure from the older turbodiesel model, the newer HEV variant retains the same amount of off-road features. To be exact, it still has a limited-slip differential, a 4x4 system, multiple terrain modes, a locking differential, and a very generous ground clearance of 234 millimeters (mm). 

For its other notable mechanical bits, the HEV version of the Land Cruiser LC 300 uses a front double wishbone and rear multi-link suspension. It also comes with disc brakes for all four wheels. 

Like most proper SUV models under the Toyota banner, the Land Cruiser LC 300 HEV also uses a ladder-frame chassis, which is touted to be sturdier and, at the same time, more flexible than unibody platforms, especially during off-road situations. 

A familiar level of cushiness 

Like its turbodiesel counterpart, buyers can be assured that the Toyota Land Cruiser LC 300 HEV brings the same level of cushiness. It even has the same interior cockpit layout, so for those upgrading from the diesel version, you’ll get settled in quickly. 

But for those unfamiliar with the model, the biggest characteristic of its interior, and probably the biggest reason to buy this model, is the sheer amount of legroom and headroom it provides. 

For reference, this HEV SUV can comfortably fit up to seven people with its three-row seating layout, which is equipped with second-row captain seats. These seats, together with the power-adjustable front seats, come standard with heating and ventilation. The third row, meanwhile, gets a 50:50 split with a power folding function. 

Keeping everyone inside the Land Cruiser LC 300 HEV is a dual-zone automatic climate control system with the Nanoe air filtration system. The model also comes with a moonroof and leather upholstery. 

Catering to the driver’s needs is a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a leather steering wheel, a tilt and telescopic steering column, a drive mode selector, an electronic parking brake, a head-up display, and a keyless entry system. 

Handling on-board entertainment and navigation is a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Topping up devices, on the other hand, is done through USB ports and a wireless smartphone charging pad. For optimal sound quality, the model also gets a 14-piece JBL speaker set. 

Loads of safety gear

Another reason to purchase the Toyota Land Cruiser LC 300 HEV is the sheer amount of safety gear it comes with. These, of course, will be a huge help in navigating Philippine roads, which, in many instances, are a hotbed of chaos. 

On the passive side, the model comes with dual front airbags, a driver and front passenger knee airbag, side airbags, curtain shield airbags, anti-lock braking, ISOFIX, vehicle stability control, a security system, anti-lock braking, hill-start assist, front and rear parking sensors, and active traction control - among others. 

Over to its active safety bits, the model gets the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 - a suite of advanced driver-assist systems, which include: 

• Adaptive high beams
• Pre-collision system
• Lane trace-assist
• Lane departure assist
• Dynamic radar cruise control
• Blind spot monitoring
• Safe exist assist
• Turn assist
• Panoramic view camera

Final thoughts

So, is the Toyota Land Cruiser LC 300 HEV worth its starting price of P6.93 million? Well, on paper, it pretty much is. It has more horsepower than the standard variant, but it promises better fuel efficiency - something that may be crucial nowadays considering how unstable the prices of fuel are. 

On that note, those who like what they see in this HEV model should visit the nearest Toyota dealership to give it a test drive. It may carry a premium over its ICE sibling, sure, but this could be a good starting point to get into electrified vehicles for those eyeing the Land Cruiser LC 300 in the first place. 

Also read:

This Toyota Corolla Cross HEV proves xEVs are more than just A-to-B cars

Check out the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ’s strengths, weaknesses

Wheel-to-wheel: Denza B8 vs Toyota LC 300 HEV

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